Alivia Mercer
Math and Science Tutor · Math, Chemistry & BiologyI tutor math, chemistry and biology, from Math 5 and Grade 8 science up to Calculus II and second-year university chemistry. My sessions are patient, encouraging and collaborative. We work through practice questions together, and I give you room to try problems on your own, so you leave more confident that you can work through them independently.
What I teach
A quick look at my subjects, levels and session formats. The full breakdown by course is further down the page.
What sessions with me are like
I would describe my teaching style as patient, encouraging and collaborative. I want students to become independent learners, so I try not to spend the whole session simply explaining concepts.
My goal is for students to leave a session not only understanding the material better, but also feeling more confident in their ability to work through problems independently.
Getting ready for the test, not just the homework
I start by figuring out what you already understand and where you need more support. From there, we build toward the exam step by step.
Subjects and course ranges
Each subject I teach, from the lowest to the highest level.
Background and why I tutor
Where I'm coming from
I completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemical Biology and graduated with Distinction.
For three years, I was a supplemental learning leader for first- and second-year chemistry courses. I planned weekly study sessions and exam reviews, promoted active study strategies, and helped students become independent learners. I also spent two years as a peer academic coach, supporting undergraduates with study strategies, exam anxiety and test preparation, and a year as a chemistry lab instructor for first- and second-year courses. I was also an e-Mentor for rural high school students for a year.
What keeps me teaching
I know what it feels like to struggle in a class and feel like you just aren't understanding the material! I was fortunate to have awesome mentors and teachers who were patient with me, helped me work through difficult concepts, and gave me the confidence to keep going. I want to be that person for someone else.
What I enjoy most is seeing a student go from feeling stuck or overwhelmed to that moment when something finally clicks. I really enjoy tutoring all math classes, and I love to tutor chemistry, especially CHEM 231 and 232.
Beyond any one assignment or exam, I hope students build effective study habits, stronger foundations and strategies they can use on new problems, and become less reliant on tutoring over time because they feel comfortable figuring things out on their own.
When I'm not teaching
I love to mountain bike and have been enjoying exploring new trails on the island since I moved here!
I've recently gotten into crocheting and knitting and love to make hats. I also just started making my first sweater.
I grew up in a ski town and love to ski! I used to ski race, and now I enjoy skiing lots in the winter and trying new mountains.
What students say
Reviews from Google that mention Alivia by name.
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